In Derry to open an outdoor play area at Holy Child PS, Creggan, the MLA for South Down spoke candidly about the changes to the system and unionist opposition to her plans.

“This is the right decision to make. While we need to build a consensus on post primary education, it is my job to lead that. It is important that the DUP show leadership. They need to listen to the education sector, as I have and they want change.

”I hope we can come to agree but at the end of the day I am the Minister responsible and I have to make sure our system treats children fairly. I must ensure we deal with the 4,000 young people our system is failing. I also have to deal with the issue of 50,000 empty desks in our schools and the demographic change. Currently our secondary schools are bearing the brunt of this, which is unfair.

”Simply put we must change the existing system which is outdated. By moving the key decision making age from 11 to 14 years old, we are introducing a world class and fair system.”

Put to her that education providers were calling for more consultation on the plans, the Minister replied: “I’ve asked that the plans be studied carefully. This is not a one size fits all system, each area will be different with different needs. The most important thing is that we move forward together and celebrate diversity.”